William Penn Life, 2012 (47. évfolyam, 1-12. szám)

2012-10-01 / 10. szám

One rainy, wonderful

...nearly 1,000 members and friends gathered for anothei

Story and Photo by John E. Lovász

It truly warmed the heart to see so many of WPA's members and friends gather at Scenic View on a day most people would opt to stay indoors. But cloudy skies, temperatures in the 60's and nearly constant rain until mid-afternoon could not dampen the fraternal spirit of those attending our 12th annual WPA Picnic-A Great Fraternal-Fest Sept. 8.

At this point, little more can be said about this great day that has not already been said. It is the most popular fraternal event our Association sponsors each year. And that success is well-earned. Once again, National Vice President-Fraternal Endre Csornán organized and orchestrated a dedicated crew of more than 100 volunteers who make the picnic possible. A number of those volunteers spend up to a week at Scenic View preparing all the delicious food and the grounds. We can't thank all of these wonderful people enough, especially those volunteers who travelled from places like Illinois, New England, Ohio, Michigan and other distant places. They all

embody the true spirit of Fraternalism.

That same spirit made even the bleakest of days bright. Funny how great food, good friends and love of shared traditions can do that. Do you think a little rain would stop true Magyars from roasting szalonna over open fire pits? Nem! Actually, the rain and cool temperatures may have even helped the youngsters participating in the fishing contest, as the fish in the lake seemed to like the weather. Besides, there was plenty of seating available under the Kohut Pavilion and the large tents next to it to keep everyone comfortable and dry.

George Bátyi and his ensemble, along with the William Penn Association Magyar Folk Dancers, brightened everyone's spirits with lively music and energetic dancing. Many picnic guests took to the dance floor themselves to dance the csárdás.

When they weren't dancing or getting their fill of delicious chicken or mushroom paprikás, homemade kolbász or freshly-made gulyás, guests strolled through the Flungarian marketplace or chatted with

14 0 October 2012 0 William Penn Life